Crevalle jack
VU

Crevalle jack

Caranx hippos

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crevalle_jack

Overview

The crevalle jack, also known as the common jack, black-tailed trevally, couvalli jack, black cavalli, jack crevale, or yellow cavalli is a common species of large marine fish classified within the jack family, Carangidae. The crevalle jack is distributed across the tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Nova Scotia, Canada to Uruguay in the western Atlantic and Portugal to Angola in the eastern Atlantic, including the Mediterranean Sea. It is distinguishable from similar species by its deep body, fin colouration and a host of more detailed anatomical features, including fin ray and lateral line scale counts.

It is one of the largest fish in the genus Caranx, growing to a maximum known length of 124 cm and a weight of 32 kg, although is rare at lengths greater...

Crevalle jack populations face significant pressure from intensive commercial and recreational fishing throughout their range, with juveniles particularly vulnerable in coastal nursery habitats. Coastal development and pollution degrade critical spawning and nursery areas, while climate change affects prey availability and ocean conditions that these highly migratory fish depend upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

Coastal and offshore waters of the western Atlantic, inhabiting nearshore reefs, bays, harbors, and open ocean environments. Juveniles rely heavily on shallow seagrass beds, mangrove creeks, and estuarine waters as nursery habitat.

MARINE· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Crevalle jack classified as Vulnerable?
Crevalle jack is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Crevalle jack populations face significant pressure from intensive commercial and recreational fishing throughout their range, with juveniles particularly vulnerable in coastal nursery habitats. Coastal development and pollution degrade critical spawning and nursery areas, while climate change affects prey availability and ocean conditions that these highly migratory fish depend upon.
Where does Crevalle jack live?
Crevalle jack occurs in Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, and Barbados (plus 86 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Crevalle jack?
The main threats to Crevalle jack are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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